DEFECTION Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

defection

noun

Definition of defection

as in apostasy

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Dissimilar Words

as in desertion

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of defection But there have also been a number of high-profile defections and sporting tensions, such as Iran’s only female Olympic medallist, Kimia Alizadeh, leaving the country in 2020. — Tamara Davison, Wired News, 17 June 2026 South Korea took a soldier from the North into custody after the individual crossed the heavily fortified border this week in what is believed to be a defection, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday. — CBS News, 24 June 2026 Last year, Alexander Isak’s eventual defection following a summer-long saga proved disastrous, hampering Newcastle’s own business, which had already been affected by Paul Mitchell’s departure as sporting director in May and by being pipped to their top targets. — James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 June 2026 In replacing Bowman as GM during the 1986-87 season, Meehan oversaw numerous franchise-changing moves, including Mogilny’s defection from the Soviet Union in 1989. — ABC News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defection

Noun

Marc makes an example of the penitent, powerless Jeanne, reminding the rest of his flock of the punishment for apostasy and using her rough time among the heathens as proof of why none under his control should ever want to trade his order for such modern sin and depravity.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Dara Shikoh was accused of apostasy from Islam and tried under religious authority.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2026

Definition of apostasy

Noun

The core of the story is the desertion and betrayal of Roseanna McCoy by all concerned.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing around 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in January.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

Definition of desertion

Noun

The Vatican said dialogue was offered to the group ahead of the schism and that the step of ordaining bishops without ⁠church approval was considered so grave that excommunication was automatic.

— Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

For fast fashion retailers, the first discount typically lands within four to twelve hours of abandonment.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 July 2026
In 2017, still a puppy, he was rescued from abandonment and mistreatment by the Asociación Pro Defensa de los Animales, which restored his health and, with it, his chances.

— Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of abandonment

Noun

When the nucleus ultimately disintegrates, these pieces move apart rapidly and the neck snaps quickly, a process known as scission.

— Charles Q. Choi, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2021
The structure is easily broken down in a reaction called scission (like scissors), which tears up the polymer chain.

— Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 5 Aug. 2020

Definition of scission

Noun

Plots tend to involve women in various types of distress, facing things like murder, stalking, infidelity, illicit love, kidnapping, and storm-chasing serial killers.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.

— Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026